Accurate books. Protected assets. More time for ministry.
We handle the financial work that drains pastors, boards, and volunteers—with certified bookkeepers, proven processes, and tools a small church can actually use.
We exist to help church and nonprofit leaders focus on their mission with trusted books.
Integrity · Accountability · Accuracy
A bookkeeping firm that still thinks like a church member.
Lee Ann grew up in a family of pastors and church volunteers. After earning her CPA, she spent more than 14 years in auditing and management consulting, including Fortune 100 work. She later served churches and nonprofits through consulting, teaching, and hands-on financial leadership.
Bellwether exists to come alongside congregations with tools that lighten the administrative load and protect what has been entrusted to them.
Choose the bookkeeping system that fits your congregation
Every church needs books it can trust. Not every church needs the same level of service. Pick the path your church can sustain, and change it as you grow.
Full-service church bookkeeping.
We keep the books. Think of us as a member of your staff, recording transactions reconciling every account, running payroll and delivering your customized monthly financial package via Quickbooks Online. You review and approve. You focus on ministry. Established for churches that want a professional on the case.
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GoodBooks – DIY bookkeeping software.
You provide the bookkeeper; we provide the software, setup, training and ongoing support. GoodBooks runs on Xero cloud accounting for $49.95 a month with free onboarding. Best for small churches with a willing secretary, volunteer or pastor.
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Faithful Finances – your church record book.
One book, 12 months of records. Track weekly giving, monthly expenses and year-to-date totals, with built-in audit steps and optional Excel forms. No software, no monthly fees. Best for small churches that need order, starting this Sunday.
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Featured Resources
Practical guides from a Retired CPA who serves churches, on fraud prevention, pastor pay, budgeting and more. Start learning before you call anyone.
The New Church Safeguard: Protecting Data, Privacy and Trust
Churches collect and store a plethora of data these days. Protecting that information should be a to…
Preventing Fraud in Church Accounting
A short, practical guide for pastors, boards and treasurers. It explains how fraud happens in churches and the simple controls that stop it, and it’s quick enough to read together in one meeting. Get your free PDF copy today, or buy it on Kindle or in paperback.
“Love Offerings”: handling these gifts with care
It’s always a blessing when a church has a congregation who appreciates the contributions of t…
You may need more than 1 budget
Did you know that there is more than one type of budget that your church may need to be concerned wi…
Practical church finance tips
Join pastors, treasurers and board members who get short, practical guidance on church bookkeeping, fraud prevention, pastor pay and year-end deadlines.
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Pastor Pay and Taxes:
Clergy Finances, Simplified.
Pastors are taxed unlike any other employee. Pastor Pay and Taxes gives clergy and churches the tools and expert help to get salary, housing allowance and SECA tax right, every year.
Pastor Pay and Taxes
Clergy are taxed unlike any other employee. We help churches set up pastor pay correctly, and help pastors stay compliant and keep more of what they earn.
SECA tax compliance. Planning for self-employment tax so pastors aren't caught off guard
Salary structures. Guidance on structuring the full pay, including salary, housing and reimbursements
Real-time tracking. Monitor housing allowance and SECA-related expenses year-round, not just at tax time
Cloud storage. A secure platform built for licensed and commissioned clergy, so every receipt lives in one place
PASTOR PAY & TAXES, DONE RIGHT
Built for licensed and commissioned clergy · Led by CPAs who serve churches
Planning Commission Meeting
Parks & Recreation Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Board of Zoning Appeals
Common questions about Bellwether Church Solutions.
What's the best accounting software for a small church?
For most small churches on a cash basis, we recommend Xero (through GoodBooks). Larger churches that want a bookkeeper on the file do well with QuickBooks Online through our full-service plan.
Do we keep control of our church's money and data?
Yes. The church owns its data, approves all payments, and has 24/7 access to its books. You can export your data anytime.
Do you prepare year-end contribution statements?
Yes. Full-service clients receive annual donor contribution statements and 1099 vendor reporting.
Do you work with churches outside your area?
Yes. Our bookkeeping is fully virtual, so we serve churches and nonprofits across the U.S.
Do you also serve nonprofits?
Yes. Our processes fit ministries, associations and other faith-based nonprofits, not only churches.
Ready for books you can trust?
Book a free consultation. We will review how your church handles its finances today and recommend the simplest path forward.